[The pathologically changed Descemet membrane. Cultivation of human corneal endothelium on transformed membrane]

Corneal endothelial diseases are connected with structural and biochemical changes of Descemet's membrane (DM). Little is known about the possible effects of these changed basement membranes. In the present study we investigated the influence of changed DM on endothelium. Human corneal endothelial cells were cultured on DM of healthy corneas as well as corneas with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy or bullous keratopathy, and cell growth and morphology were compared. On healthy DM, cells formed a confluent monolayer within 4 days. Cells cultured on Fuchs' DM showed a similar pattern. The polygonal cell pattern was interrupted merely in the area of the guttae, which were covered by cell processes alone. Culturing cells proved to be difficult on DM from corneas with bullous keratopathy. Even though the cells attached to the DM, they did not spread but became spindle shaped and rarely formed intercellular contacts. Even after 7 days no confluent monolayer was established. These results indicate that some though not all pathological DM changes interfere with cell growth.